Abstract: In an example embodiment, a beverage vending device is provided that includes a network interface and one or more processors. The beverage vending device also includes a computer-readable tangible medium with instructions stored thereon that direct the one or more processors to establish contact with an available network and locate a second beverage vending device on the network. The computer-readable tangible medium also has instructions stored thereon that direct the one or more processors to establish contact with the second beverage vending device on the network, and communicate with the second beverage vending device via the network.

Abstract: The inventors have discovered that coffee berry juice, produced from whole coffee berries, can produce a distinct taste and chemical profile when compared to coffee and coffee berry extract products. The disclosed invention is directed to coffee berry juice products and methods of producing a coffee berry juice product. Especially preferred methods include use of whole coffee berries with increased concentrations of caffeine, chlorogenic acid and terpenes.

Abstract: This disclosure provides new containers, preforms, methods, and designs for small and light-weight carbonated beverage packaging that provide surprisingly improved carbonation retention and greater shelf life, while still achieving light weight. This disclosure is particularly drawn to small PET containers for carbonated beverages, for example less than or about 400 mL, and methods and designs for their fabrication that attain unexpectedly good carbonation retention and shelf life.

Abstract: A single-use, oral dosage forms (e.g., fast-dissolving strips) is disclosed, as well as methods of using such oral dosage forms to sweeten edible compositions. Methods of manufacturing single-use, oral dosage forms are also provided.

Abstract: Containers are provided that include a body structure having a top end that defines an opening, a sealed base end, and a sidewall structure extending between the top and base ends, in which the sidewall structure has an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior space, and a protective coating that includes a diamond-like carbon on at least a portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall structure. Methods for enhancing the mechanical strength of containers are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method a method may include receiving (i) beverage composition data of a requested beverage, and (ii) a user identifier of a user requesting the beverage. Responsive to receiving an instruction to dispense the requested beverage, the requested beverage may be dispensed. The beverage composition data may be stored in a dispensed beverage record. A verification as to whether or not the dispensed beverage is a qualified beverage pour may be performed. Responsive to determining that the dispensed beverage is a qualified beverage pour, a counter may be increased. Responsive to determining that the counter value crosses a threshold value, a first message may be communicated to a mobile electronic device of the user, otherwise, a second message may be communicated to the mobile electronic device. The first or second message may be displayed on the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: A food/drink dispensing device that manages a connection with a mobile terminal may include a connection unit for specifying a mobile terminal to connect with and for establishing a connection with the specified mobile terminal. A transmission unit may be configured to send, to the mobile terminal, device identification information for identifying the food/drink dispensing device, type information relating to the types of food/drink handled by the food/drink dispensing device, and status information relating to the food/drink. A determination unit may be configured to determine whether or not the food/drink can be dispensed when dispensing designation information with respect to food/drink of the type selected has been received from the mobile terminal. A dispensing unit may be configured to dispense the food/drink when dispensing of said food/drink is possible.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine is provided with a storage compartment or the like having a thermally insulating construction in which a number of product columns for accommodating products aligned side-by-side in one column are provided in different levels in such a way that the most downstream products in each product column are aligned side-by-side in a vertical direction, and an in-compartment fan for cooling an internal atmosphere of the storage compartment or the like by blowing air that has been cooled by means of an evaporator disposed in the storage compartment or the like, wherein the automatic vending machine is also provided with a control unit which drives the in-compartment fan for a predefined time if the internal temperature of the storage compartment or the like reaches to or above a predefined reference temperature in a state in which driving of a freezer and of the in-compartment fan are stopped.

Abstract: Novel diterpene glycosides containing ent-atisene cores are provided herein. Compositions and consumables comprising the novel diterpene glycosides are also provided herein. Methods of enhancing the sweetness and/or flavor of consumables using the novel diterpene glycosides, methods of preparing compositions and consumables comprising the novel diterpene glycosides and methods of purifying the novel diterpene glycosides are also provided.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine includes: a product housing rack including product housing shelves each including a product housing path, and a product discharger; a first stopper configured to be movable between a protrusion position and a retract position, and to tilt such that a free end side of a holding portion is positioned at a product discharge port; a second stopper configured to be movable between a retract position and a protrusion position, and to press a vending product when protruding; a link configured to move each of the first and the second stopper to the protrusion and the retract position; and a driver configured to drive the link, wherein the second stopper includes ribs formed on a surface facing the product housing path, the ribs being configured to extend from a base end part toward a holding portion of the second stopper.

Abstract: Described herein are example systems and methods of user interfaces on a product dispenser. The product dispenser includes a touch-to-pour user interface configured to provide a pattern of haptic feedback to a user while a touch is sensed on the touch-to-pour user interface. At the same time, the product dispenser is configured to dispense a product while the touch is sensed on the touch-to-pour user interface. The pattern of haptic feedback is dependent upon the product being dispensed from the product dispenser.

Abstract: A machine and process for providing consumer products may include a set of positions configured to contain consumer products or containers in which ingredients are used to form consumer products. The consumer products or containers may include radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags. A set of antennas, where at least one antenna is disposed at each position, may be configured to output and receive RF signals. A transceiver may be in electrical communication with the antennas, and be configured to generate the RF signals. A processor may be in communication with the transceiver, and be programmed to (i) receive RFID signals from the RFID tags at the set of positions, and (ii) identify locations of the RFID tags to determine that corresponding consumer products or containers of ingredients are in correct positions.

Abstract: To provide a resin container and a method for manufacturing the same with which it is possible to generate more effervescence than hitherto. This resin container is provided with: a resin container main body inside which is formed an accommodating space that is hermetically sealed using a cap; and a textured region which is formed on an inner surface of the container main body and is formed from a rough surface.

Abstract: The present application provides a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system may include a cooler and a beverage dispenser positioned within the cooler. The beverage dispenser may include a nozzle, a flow of water, an internal carbonation system in communication with the flow of water and the nozzle, and a number of internal ingredient containers in communication with the nozzle such that the beverage dispenser produces a beverage at the nozzle within the cooler.

Abstract: A switch system for controlling dispensing from a dispensing system. A frame is coupleable to the dispensing system and has a front and back. A lever extends between a pivot and pressing ends and is pivotally coupled to the frame, being pivotable between dispensing and non-dispensing positions. A resilient member between the lever and the back of the frame extends between an anchor and a contact region. The anchor region is coupled to the frame and the contact region is closer than the anchor region to the lever. A roller is pivotally coupled to the contact region. The resilient member biases the lever towards the non-dispensing position via the roller. An electronic switch is between the lever and the back of the frame. The electronic switch is actuated to cause dispensing when the lever is pivoted into the dispensing position.

Abstract: Disclosed are bio-based polyester fibers, particularly a PET fibers, and a method of making the same by: contacting bio-based MEG composition with a diacid composition to form a polyester composition; and spinning and/or drawing the resulting polyester composition into a fiber; wherein the bio-based MEG composition comprises: a) monoethylene glycol (MEG); and b) from about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm of at least one C3-Cy2 1,2-diol, wherein the C3-Cj2 1, 2-diol is linear, branched, or cyclic.

Abstract: Disclosed are bio-based mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) compositions containing from about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm of at least one C3-C12 1,2-diol, bio-based polyester compositions made therefrom, and methods of making the same are disclosed. Preforms and blow-molded polyester containers prepared from the bio-based MEG and polyester are described.